Factors Associated with Hazardous Alcohol Use Among Individuals Who Inject Drugs

Hazardous alcohol use has not been well studied among people who inject drugs (PWID). To assess the risk factors in this population, researchers analyzed data from a prospective cohort of 1114 HIV-uninfected PWID. Participants were recruited from 2005 to 2012 and completed baseline and semi-annual questionnaires over a median follow-up period of 63 months. The researchers used multivariable methods to assess the independent association of potential risk factors with the outcome of hazardous alcohol use.*

• 17% (n = 186) of participants at baseline and 37% (n = 415) over the study period reported hazardous alcohol use.
• In multivariable analyses, the following factors were associated with an increased risk of hazardous alcohol use: sexually transmitted infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.41), victim of violence (aOR, 1.33), number of sex partners (2–10 versus <1; aOR, 1.25), and incarceration (aOR, 1.24). Factors associated with a decreased risk of hazardous alcohol use were: addiction treatment (aOR, 0.83), daily heroin injection (aOR, 0.72), and white race (aOR, 0.59).

*Hazardous alcohol use defined as: >14 drinks in a week or >4 drinks on a single occasion for men, and >7 drinks in a week or >3 drinks on a single occasion for women.

Comments:

Although these findings shed light on who is most at risk for unhealthy alcohol use among PWID, perhaps the most important finding is the prevalence of hazardous alcohol use in this population. This suggests the need to screen all PWID for hazardous alcohol use and intervene as appropriate.

Kevin L. Kraemer, MD, MSc

Reference:

Fairbairn N, Hayashi K, Milloy MJ, et al. Hazardous alcohol use associated with increased sexual risk behaviors among people who inject drugs. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2016;40(11):2394–2400.